Homemade Easy BBQ Sauce is one of those recipes that completely changes your grilling game. Once I started making Homemade Easy BBQ Sauce from scratch, I never went back to store-bought bottles. It’s sweet from brown sugar, tangy from apple cider vinegar, and smoky from paprika—all balanced perfectly in just minutes. In our house, this sauce gets brushed over chicken, stirred into pulled pork, and even used as a dip for fries. Homemade Easy BBQ Sauce takes only 8 minutes to make, but it tastes like it simmered all day.
Why Make BBQ Sauce at Home?
Store-bought sauce often tastes overly sweet or flat. When you make Homemade Easy BBQ Sauce yourself, you control:
- Sweetness
- Smokiness
- Tang
- Thickness
Plus, it’s made with pantry staples.
The Perfect Flavor Balance
This sauce delivers:
- Sweet from brown sugar
- Tangy from apple cider vinegar
- Smoky depth from paprika
- Savory warmth from garlic and onion
It’s bold but balanced.
Simple Pantry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ¼ cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, mustard, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a saucepan.
Whisk thoroughly.
Step 2: Simmer
Place pan over medium-low heat.
Stir occasionally until mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cool
Remove from heat.
Let cool completely.
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
Transfer to airtight container.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
The flavor deepens as it rests.
How to Use Homemade Easy BBQ Sauce
Brush over:
- Grilled chicken
- Ribs
- Burgers
- Meatloaf
- Pulled pork
Use as:
- Dipping sauce
- Pizza base
- Sandwich spread
- Marinade
Storage
- Store in fridge up to 2 weeks
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Easy Variations
- Add hot sauce for heat
- Add Worcestershire for depth
- Add honey for smoother sweetness
- Add liquid smoke for extra smokiness
FAQS :
What is BBQ sauce made out of?
BBQ sauce typically includes ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and spices. This Homemade Easy BBQ Sauce follows that classic formula with balanced sweetness and tang.
How do you make BBQ sauce?
Combine sugar, ketchup, vinegar, mustard, and spices. Simmer briefly, cool, and refrigerate to develop flavor.
What does BBQ sauce taste like?
It tastes sweet, tangy, smoky, and slightly savory. The balance depends on ingredient ratios.
What are the ingredients in original barbecue sauce?
Traditional BBQ sauce uses tomato base, sugar or molasses, vinegar, and spices like paprika and mustard.
Print
Homemade Easy BBQ Sauce
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Easy BBQ Sauce made with brown sugar, ketchup and apple cider vinegar. Sweet, smoky and ready in 8 minutes.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Whisk all ingredients in saucepan.
2. Bring to simmer over medium-low heat.
3. Stir occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and cool.
5. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before using.